Litter Boxes – Getting the Basics Right

There’s more to a litter box than simply putting a tray in the corner and hoping for the best!

Cats can be surprisingly particular about their toileting arrangements. Getting a few basic things right can make a real difference to their comfort, their confidence, and the cleanliness of your home.

Here are some simple tips to help you get it right for your feline friend.

🐾 1. How many litter boxes do you need?

A commonly recommended guideline is one litter box per cat, plus one extra.

So, for two cats, ideally you would have three litter boxes.

I know what you might be thinking – where on earth am I supposed to put all those trays?

Do the best you can with the space you have, but remember that cats sharing a home may not always want to share a toilet. Having enough options can help prevent competition and give each cat a little more privacy.

🐾 2. Size really does matter

A litter tray needs to be large enough for your cat to get into comfortably, turn around, scratch, and dig without feeling cramped.

As a general guide, aim for a tray around one and a half times the length of your cat, measured from the nose to the base of the tail.

Large cats need larger trays, and older cats or those with arthritis may find a high-sided tray difficult to climb into.

Covered trays can suit some cats, but others dislike feeling enclosed. If your cat seems reluctant to use one, try offering an uncovered tray and see whether that makes a difference.

🐾 3. Where should you put the litter box?

Location matters more than you might think!

Choose a quiet, accessible spot where your cat can toilet without being startled or interrupted.

Avoid placing litter trays right beside food and water bowls, next to noisy appliances, or somewhere your cat can be cornered by another pet.

If you have a multi-level home, having a tray on each level can be helpful, particularly for older cats.

And please don’t tuck the only litter box away somewhere difficult to reach. Your cat needs to feel safe getting to it at all times.

🐾 4. Which cat litter should you use?

There are plenty of choices, including clumping clay, non-clumping litter, recycled paper, wood pellets and other alternatives.

Cats often prefer a fine-textured, unscented litter that feels comfortable under their paws.

Strong perfumes might smell lovely to us, but they can be unpleasant or overwhelming for a cat’s sensitive nose.

If you’re changing litter types, introduce the new one gradually. You could place a second tray with the alternative litter beside the existing one and let your cat choose.

Every cat is an individual, so pay attention to what yours prefers.

🐾 5. How deep should the litter be?

Most cats appreciate enough litter to dig and cover their waste.

Around 5–7 cm is a reasonable starting point for many standard litters, although some products and individual cats need a little more or less.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and observe how your cat uses the tray.

If your cat scratches the bottom of the tray repeatedly or struggles to cover their waste, you may need to adjust the depth.

🐾 6. Keep it clean!

This is one of the most important parts of litter box care.

• Scoop out urine clumps and solid waste at least once or twice a day, depending on the litter and how often the tray is used.
• Top up the litter as needed.
• Empty and wash the tray regularly, following the litter manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Use mild, cat-safe cleaning products and rinse thoroughly before refilling.

Avoid strong-smelling cleaners and never mix cleaning chemicals.

A dirty tray can put a cat off using it, even when everything else is right. Remember, cats have to put their paws in there!

🐾 7. Don’t forget the individual cat

Kittens, senior cats, nervous cats and cats with mobility problems may need a little extra consideration.

Kittens need trays that are easy to climb into, while older cats may benefit from a low-entry tray.

In multi-cat households, make sure one cat cannot easily block another’s access to the litter boxes. Having trays in separate locations is often more helpful than lining them all up together.

And if you have a new cat settling into your home, provide a familiar, accessible toileting area while they adjust.

🐾 8. Watch for changes in toileting habits

If your cat suddenly starts avoiding the tray, don’t automatically assume they’re being naughty or difficult.

The problem could be the tray, the litter, the location, stress, or an underlying medical issue.

Straining to urinate, repeatedly visiting the tray with little or no urine, or crying while trying to pee can indicate a serious problem. A cat, particularly a male cat, that cannot pass urine needs emergency veterinary attention.

Changes in urination or bowel habits should also be discussed with your vet, especially if they persist or are accompanied by other signs of illness.

For advice on what to do when a cat starts peeing outside the litter box, see our separate article on that subject.

A final thought from Quiet Paws

A litter box isn’t just a plastic tray. It’s an important part of your cat’s everyday environment, and getting it right helps your cat feel safe, comfortable and secure.

A little thought about the number of trays, their size, location and cleanliness can prevent a lot of frustration for both you and your cat.

After all, our cats depend on us to get the little things right, too. 🐾

Quiet Paws Creations & Streetcat Rescue